Started chemo for pancreatic cancer and already want to quit

Posted by tnt69 @tnt69, Oct 27, 2023

My sister started her 1st round of chemo on October 25th, had very bad side effects and does not want to continue it, I'm not sure I want her to suffer so much just to add a little extra time of being miserable most of the time, please help somebody.

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sprinter345 | @sprinter345 | Nov 27, 2023

My husband had the IV infusions also but no longer needed them after the dosage of the chemo drugs was lowered.
His appetite improved considerably . Very helpful to eat small amounts 5 times a day than three meals. Also ask for ZenPep pancreatic enzymes- to absorb the nutrients from the good he can get down. My husband put all his weight back on over time- about 15 pounds.
Tumor still shrunk at lowered dose and 19-9 is normal from almost 5000. Don’t give up hope.

lilliejane2 | @lilliejane2 | Nov 28, 2023

Hello.
If I may ask, what treatment plan is your sister on? If she is doing folfirinox, the "cocktail"
Can be adjusted to a lower dosage, or perhaps one of the ingredients can be taken out. I originally started
With folfirinox, but could not tolerate the oxaliplatin. Now I am on 5FU without oxaliplatin and tolerating it much better.
Nausea has been an issue for several days after treatment, but I manage to keep it at bay with compazine, lots of lemon water, peppermint life savers and eating every 2 or 3 hours..mashed potatoes help. My numbers are improving, lymph nodes reducing, no mets to liver or lungs. I had previously been on gemcitabine and abraxane after whipple
Many months ago. I wasn't as nauseous on that, but I lost all of my hair within 3 weeks.
I truly feel for you and your sister and hope that she will be able to either change her treatment plan or be able to tolerate it better.
Sending blessings to you both.